The death toll from the clashes between SSPDF and the SPLA-IO on Monday rose to eight as 11 officers are still severely wounded.
Speaking to South Sudanese publisher The City Review on Thursday, Gai Jiejor, Unity State’s Information Minister, said at least seven SSPDF soldiers have died during the clash with the SPLA-IO forces.
“The government has lost seven soldiers during the attack by the SPLA-IO forces in Nyuel-Nyuel military barrack on their way to Mayom County. Among the seven soldiers who have died were those who were severely wounded and passed away yesterday,” Jiejor said.
He said four SSPDF soldiers died during the attack and nine others were wounded at the scene including the chief of intelligence and Unity State’s wildlife director.
“The SPLA-IO attack on the governor’s convoy resulted in the killing of four soldiers, including a captain in the convoy. Nine SSPDF soldiers were wounded, including the state intelligence chief and the state director of wildlife services,” he said.
However, Yai Pazale, Deputy Spokesperson of the SPLA-IO, in an interview told The City Review that the fighting left two SPLA-IO wounded and one of their officer killed by the SSPDF in the Nyuel-nyuel military barrack clash.
“I told you on Tuesday that the fighting was terrible on our side because the SSPDF wounded our two officers and killed one of our soldiers. So, I don’t know many people were wounded or killed from their side because they were the ones who attacked us and defeated our soldiers,” Pazale stated.
He noted the though Unity State government has accused the SPLA-IO of attacking their convoy, they had to relocate to Garia in the border of Sudan.
“I know that the government of Unity State has twisted the information, saying that the SPLA-IO forces initiated the fighting, which is a lie, they just don’t want to tell the truth. Even our forces have relocated to Garia Military base North of Unity State, seven hours away on foot from Bentiu,” he stated.
He stated that they withdrew their forces from Nyuel-nyuel military barrack to avoid more tensions from SPLA-IO forces and the SSPDF.
Pazale further alleged that the SSPDF has deployed its forces in Nyuel-nyuel military barrack on Wednesday after they realized SPLA-IO has withdrawn from the base.
“We have withdrawn our forces from Nyuel-nyuel military barrack on Tuesday. And we did it with a reason because even now, the situation is somehow not clear whether the SSPDF will not attack us again. SO, we are informing the public that incase of anything attack, just know that it’s the SSPDF not the SPLA-IO,” he lamented.
He added, “We the SPLA-IO, we are fully committed to the full implementation of the peace agreement but the SPLM-IG is not! If they really want to implement peace why do they always attack us when we are in our bases?”